Digital X-Ray

A new system of taking X-rays, called digital radiography, reduces radiation by as much as 50 to 80 percent.

Dental radiographs, or X-rays, are an important part of a thorough dental examination. A full set of X-rays (18) is usually required for patients who are new to a dental practice, or who need extensive treatment. Two to four follow-up or check-up X-rays called “bite-wings” are necessary every 6-18 months, depending on each individual patient’s needs.

Dental X-rays are important for many reasons. They can expose hidden dental decay, reveal a dental abscess, cyst or tumor; show impacted or extra teeth; and also help determine the condition of fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. Dental X-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, locate tarter buildup, and find foreign bodies within the gum or bone. These are just some of the many reasons why dentists rely on dental X-rays.

Dental X-rays are an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. They do not, however, replace the need for a visual examination of the head, neck, TMJ and oral cavity. It is only with a combination of both the X-ray and the visual examination that the dentist can best treat his patients.